having lunch with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having lunch with" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe the act of eating lunch with someone. Example: "I will be having lunch with my coworkers tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I love having lunch with Lee.

The New York Times

I would enjoy having lunch with J. K.

The New York Times - Books

You were having lunch with Philip Johnson.

The New York Times

He was having lunch with his ladies.

The Guardian - Music

And in an hour I'm having lunch with you".

The New Yorker

"I was having lunch with three colleagues," he said.

The New Yorker

The other day I was having lunch with a friend.

The Guardian - Books

"These are people I could be having lunch with".

The New York Times

Suzanna Hupp, a chiropractor, was having lunch with her parents.

The New Yorker

I was in Brentwood, having lunch with my friend Thea.

The New York Times

"I never thought I'd be having lunch with Paul McCartney".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context aligns with the desired level of formality. For professional contexts, consider phrases like "meeting for lunch", while informal settings suit phrases like "grabbing a bite".

Common error

Avoid using overly casual language in formal settings. Phrases like "chowing down with" are inappropriate for business correspondence or academic papers. Stick to more neutral options like "having lunch with" or "dining with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having lunch with" functions primarily as a gerund phrase acting as part of a larger clause. It indicates the action of eating lunch in the company of someone, often expressing a social interaction or meeting. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having lunch with" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the act of sharing a midday meal with someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While maintaining a generally neutral register, it effectively communicates social interactions, planned meetings, and personal anecdotes. For more formal settings, alternatives like "dining with" may be considered. To add, context is key, choose language that properly reflects the dynamic in which you are "having lunch with" someone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meeting for lunch with

Highlights the planned nature of the lunch meeting.

lunching together with

Uses "lunching" as a verb to describe the activity, adding a slightly more sophisticated feel.

sharing a midday meal with

Emphasizes the act of sharing a meal, rather than just eating lunch.

taking a lunch break with

Highlights the break from work or other activities to have lunch together.

dining at noon with

Replaces "lunch" with "dining at noon" for a more formal or descriptive tone.

grabbing a bite with at lunch

Implies a quicker, less formal lunch arrangement.

eating lunch alongside

Focuses on physical proximity during lunch, implying a less intimate setting.

joining for luncheon with

Uses the more formal term "luncheon" for a more upscale or official setting.

breaking bread with at lunchtime

Emphasizes the communal aspect of sharing food, using a more traditional expression.

having a noontime repast with

Replaces "lunch" with "noontime repast", which sounds archaic and overly formal.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "having lunch with"?

For formal occasions, consider using phrases like "dining with", "attending a luncheon with", or "meeting for lunch with". These options add a touch of sophistication and are suitable for professional or official contexts.

What are some casual alternatives to "having lunch with"?

If you're looking for something more relaxed, try phrases such as "grabbing a bite with", "meeting up for lunch with", or "eating lunch together with". These options are perfect for informal settings and close friends.

How can I use "having lunch with" in a sentence?

You can use "having lunch with" in a variety of sentences, for example: "I am "having lunch with" my colleagues tomorrow", or "She enjoys "having lunch with" her family on Sundays".

Is there a difference between "having lunch with" and "eating lunch with"?

While both phrases are very similar, "having lunch with" is slightly more common and generally implies a social aspect. "Eating lunch with" is also correct, but may simply emphasize the act of consuming food in someone's presence.